The Inti Raymi, or Sun Festival, offers an unforgettable journey steeped in Inca tradition, welcoming visitors each June in Cusco, Peru. This event aligns with the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice, honoring Inti, the revered Sun god. Join locals and tourists to witness ancient rituals, dances, and music, all reflecting Andean cultural heritage. Experience this visual feast and deep immersion into a culture celebrating life’s eternal cycle. For the best experience, we recommend booking your tour in advance with our expert guides. Contact us today to secure your spot in this extraordinary celebration!

Inti Raymi Day Tour – With Preferred Seating
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Inti Raymi Festival with premium seating and an all-inclusive experience.


📍 Duration: 1 Day
📍 From/To: Hotel to Hotel

Group Service: Small group tours for a personalized and engaging experience.
All-Inclusive Tour: Includes lunch box, transportation, and entrance tickets.
Preferred Seating: Enjoy premium views at Sacsayhuamán and Qoricancha for the festival.
Guaranteed Departures: Confirmed tours ensure peace of mind for your journey.

📌 Important Reminder:
Seats and permits are limited for this exclusive event. We strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

Inti Raymi: A Journey Through Inca Tradition and the Sun Festival in Cusco

Tour Details:

  • Type of Tour: Cultural
  • Departure Date: June 24th
  • Tickets Included: Entrance to the “Orange Zone” (Best View)
  • Pick-up Location: From your hotel in Cusco (08:00 AM)
  • Drop-off Location: Back to your hotel in Cusco
  • Duration: Approximately 8 hours
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Group Size: Minimum 2 people, Maximum 16 people
Overview of the Tour:

Highlights:

  • Experience the rich history of the Incan Empire with a full-day Inti Raymi tour.
  • Get an exclusive view of the Inti Raymi festivities.
  • Witness the sacred rituals and colorful costumes of Inti Raymi firsthand.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Cusco and its surrounding monuments from the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.
  • Learn about Inca culture and history from certified experts.

Essential Tips for the Inti Raymi Day Tour:

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially in general admission areas.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking.
  • Stay hydrated and carry a refillable water bottle.
  • Gain historical insight before the tour for a richer experience.
  • Respect local customs and avoid disruptive behavior.
  • Travel light with only essentials: water, a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket.

Itinerary:

  1. Pick-up from Hotel & Introduction at Qoricancha: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (45-minute ceremony at Qoricancha with seats included).
  2. Walk to Plaza de Armas: 9:10 AM – 10:30 AM (ceremony continues with standing-room seating).
  3. Transfer to Sacsayhuamán with Box Lunch: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (includes snacks, cold drinks, and a main dish).
  4. Inti Raymi Ceremony at Sacsayhuamán: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (two-hour ceremony with opportunities for photos).
  5. Return to Cusco: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (direct drop-off at your hotel or at a central square).

Why Choose Our Preferred Tickets?

  • Exclusive access to VIP seating for the best views.
  • Fast-track entry with hassle-free transport.
  • Complimentary refreshments to keep you hydrated throughout the event.
  • A well-curated experience for an unforgettable cultural celebration.

Short Itinerary:

15:00: Return to Cusco after the grand ceremony.

08:00: Pick-up and transfer to Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple.

09:00: Begin Inti Raymi, the Incan festival dedicated to the Sun God.

10:30: Inti Raymi Ceremony at Plaza de Armas.

13:00: Main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán.

Detailed Itinerary for the Inti Raymi Day Tour 2025:

Your unforgettable journey begins promptly at 08:30 AM when we pick you up directly from your hotel and head to the iconic Inca Sun Temple, also known as Qoricancha. This extraordinary site is the heart of the festival, where you’ll be swept up by the vibrant pulse of traditional music and witness the grand entrance of the Inca court along with its noble entourage. Here, you’ll experience an emotional ceremony in honor of Inti, the revered Sun God, a powerful spectacle lasting approximately one hour that will deepen your appreciation for Inca culture and history.

After soaking in the charm of Qoricancha, get ready for an exciting procession to the Plaza de Armas, where the city’s guardians and the imperial army await an inspection. This is where you will be captivated by another sacred ceremony, as the esteemed “Sapa Inca” is carried with immense honor on a litter by devoted bearers. The Plaza transforms into a stage for the second act of the festival, featuring traditional performances for one hour. During this, the Inca will engage in dialogue with the city’s mayor and reveal the “Quipu”, the remarkable Inca writing system made of colored strings. Since there are no seats available in the Plaza, we recommend arriving early to secure the best spots for viewing.

After these unforgettable moments, the grand procession heads to Sacsayhuaman, located just 3 kilometers away, easily reachable by our private buses. Here, the grand finale of the festival begins at 1:00 PM, with reserved seating in the orange zone for optimal viewing. Enjoy the 20-minute bus ride, enriched with insights from our expert guide. Upon arrival, we will quickly settle into our seats to ensure we don’t miss any of the rituals. After the ceremony, we’ll return you to your hotel, ending an incredible day. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary cultural experience. Book your spot now for a journey you will treasure forever!

Additional Activities: For those wanting to continue exploring Cusco’s vibrant culture and history after the Inti Raymi day tour, there are many other activities to enjoy. Stroll through Cusco’s charming streets and discover its architectural gems, including the impressive Cathedral and the Qoricancha Temple. Visit the colorful San Pedro Market and dive into the local culture by sampling traditional foods and crafts. Join a guided tour of the Sacred Valley and visit sacred Inca sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. For adventure seekers, there are plenty of opportunities for trekking to Machu Picchu or exploring the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Each of these activities offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cusco’s rich historical tapestry and captivating natural beauty, ensuring your visit is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Inclusions:

The Inti Raymi Day Tour includes:

Packed lunch (vegetarian meals available upon request)

Pick-up from your hotel

Ceremonies at Qoricancha and Hauqaypata (main Plaza in Cusco)

Entrance fee (with reserved seat at Sacsayhuaman, orange zone)

Seating at Qoricancha

Round-trip private transportation

Experienced bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish)

Packing List:

We recommend bringing:

Water bottle (recommended 1 liter)

Small backpack (25L)

Comfortable shoes

Hat or cap for the sun

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Extra money

Warm clothing: layers for variable temperatures

Camera and spare batteries

Rain gear: a good raincoat, pants, and a plastic rain poncho

Price for the Inti Raymi Day Tour

The price for the Inti Raymi day tour is $280 per person, expressed in US dollars. This fee covers all services included in the comprehensive package mentioned earlier, ensuring an unforgettable and immersive experience with no hidden costs.

From comfortable transportation to an expert guide and exclusive seating arrangements, every detail has been carefully planned to provide you with the best of this historic celebration.

Prices by seating section:

  • Orange Zone: US$ 280
  • Red Zone: US$ 280
  • Green Zone: US$ 230

Reserve your spot today and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Incas!

How to Book the Inti Raymi Day Tour

To book the Inti Raymi day tour, we recommend making your reservation well in advance due to the limited availability. To secure your booking, follow these simple steps:

  1. Provide Personal Details: We will need the following information:
    • Full name
    • Passport number
    • Nationality
    • Date of birth (DOB)
      Alternatively, you can send us a photo of your passport.
  2. Prepayment: A prepayment of €100 is required to confirm your reservation. This can be made through our secure online payment system.
  3. Confirmation: Once we receive your details and the prepayment, you will receive an email confirmation of your tour. This email will include all the relevant information about your reservation and the tour itinerary.
  4. Remaining Balance: The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Cusco, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

By following these easy steps, you can secure your spot and enjoy an extraordinary journey into the heart of Incan traditions during the Inti Raymi festival!

Cancellation Policy

This experience has a no-refund policy, meaning that once your reservation is made, it cannot be canceled or changed. If you decide to cancel or make any changes, the amount you have paid will not be refunded. We recommend that you carefully review all details and ensure that your travel plans are finalized before booking to avoid any inconvenience. This policy helps us maintain the highest quality of service and fulfill our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all our guests.

Additional Information About the Inti Raymi Day Tour
  • What to Expect
    The Inti Raymi day tour offers a deep immersion into the traditions and history of the Inca civilization. You will experience a vibrant day full of parades, sacred rituals, and the majestic performance of the “Sapa Inca” in the Plaza de Armas. The event takes place across three main venues, each reflecting an essential part of the celebration. Guides will provide commentary, enhancing your understanding of the cultural and ceremonial significance of the festival as you participate.

    All-Inclusive Tour
    This day tour ensures an enriching and worry-free experience, covering all the logistics from start to finish. The package includes private round-trip transportation, reserved seating at key locations (such as Sacsayhuaman), and traditional Peruvian meals. The expert guides will offer insights into the history and cultural significance of Inti Raymi, allowing you to fully enjoy this unique and educational experience.

    Departure and Return from/to Cusco
    The tour begins with an early departure from Cusco. To ensure a timely start, it is recommended to arrive at the pickup point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. After the festival, you’ll be escorted back to Cusco, with time to explore local markets and restaurants if desired. The return to Cusco will be in the late afternoon, so you’ll have the chance to rest or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

    Festival Venues of Inti Raymi
    QORIKANCHA
    The Qorikancha, or Temple of the Sun, is a sacred site with fascinating historical connections to Sun worship. The ceremony here starts at 9:00 AM and lasts for about 45 minutes.
    HAUHAYPATA (Main Square)
    Hauhaypata was the heart of the Inca empire. Here, the celebrations continue at 11:00 AM, featuring traditional dances, music, and vibrant costumes. The ceremony lasts for approximately 1 hour.
    SACSAYHUAMAN
    The grand finale of the festival takes place here, just 3 km from Cusco. The ceremony begins at 1:30 PM and lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Reserved seating with a stunning backdrop ensures a deeply immersive experience connecting Inca legacy and nature.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour
    What is Inti Raymi?
    Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca ritual honoring the Sun, one of the most important deities in Inca culture, celebrated annually in Cusco on June 24th.
    When should I book the Inti Raymi Tour?
    Due to the festival’s popularity, we recommend booking your tour well in advance to guarantee your spot and get the best seats.
    Is food included in the tour?
    Yes, the tour includes a “Box Lunch” for you to enjoy at the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site. If you have any dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.
    How many people typically participate in the tour?
    Group sizes are generally small, ranging from 10 to 15 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. Private tours are also available.
    What is the weather like in Cusco during June?
    June in Cusco is typically sunny with little rain, offering ideal conditions for exploration. We recommend sunscreen and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
    Which viewing areas are best?
    The recommended viewing area is the Orange Zone. It’s located near the main events and provides a perfect orientation to avoid direct sunlight.
    Can I participate in traditional dances?
    Yes! Visitors are encouraged to join in the traditional dances, but be sure to follow the organizers’ and performers’ instructions to respect the event.

Seat Distribution: In the “Sacsayhuaman” area of the festival, seating is reserved, with three sections available. We highly recommend the orange zone due to its proximity and the fact that the sun can make it difficult to see the stages. See the actual seating distribution in the image below: